How to Get Dental Coverage on Medicare

If youre wondering how to get dental coverage once you’re on Medicare, look no further.

Dental coverage is important when dealing with tooth decay, gum disease, receding gums and oral cancer. These are just four of the top dental problems experienced by older adults. Regular visits to your dentist help with prevention and early detection. This can save you pain and money down the road. In fact, the American Dental Association recommends visiting the dentist once or twice a year, if not more often.

Luckily for those age 65 and older, dental coverage on Medicare comes with several options to protect both your oral health and your wallet.

Medicare Part A, often called hospital insurance, may cover some of your dental services if you receive care while in the hospital. However, this typically refers to emergency or complicated dental procedures.

Dental Coverage on Medicare Options

Some seniors choose to pay their dental expenses out of pocket and sign up for Basic Medicare. However, if you have a history of dental disease or want to better control your dental expenses, having some form of dental coverage is a smart choice.

Your options include:

Medicare Advantage Plan

Medicare Advantage Plans (Medicare Part C) contain all the benefits of Medicare Parts A and B in addition to some extra benefits. Typically these benefits come in the form of vision, hearing and dental insurance. Work with your SelectQuote licensed sales agent to find a plan that works for you.

Look for plans that cover:

preventative care – such as your teeth cleanings

basic services – like fillings and extractions

major services – like a root canal

Consider your dental needs now and in the future. If you may need dentures or partials down the road, look for a plan that covers these costs.

Stand-Alone Dental Insurance

Purchasing a stand-alone dental plan is another option for covering your dental care. Many insurers offer these plans. With this option, you may choose to only take Medicare Parts A and B and then pay for your dental care through a separate plan. Many of these plans require you to see an in-network dentist. So, work with your agent to ensure your dentist, or one youre comfortable with, is included in-network.

Medicare Supplemental Insurance

Supplemental Medicare insurance, or Medigap insurance, provides another option for seniors looking to manage dental costs. Medicare Supplement insurance works alongside Original Medicare to cover some of the costs not included in Medicare Parts A and B. This could include copayments, coinsurance and deductibles.

Dental Discount Plans

As a plan member, youll receive discounted services at participating dentists and dental specialists. Youll still pay for your dental services but at a discounted rate.

Interested in learning more about your dental coverage options once you are on Medicare? Contact SelectQuote to speak with a qualified agent. Your agent will discuss your dental insurance needs, along with your overall healthcare needs, to help you decide on the best coverage option for your situation.